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Rochester, NY Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Rochester usually comes around Apr 28 and the first fall frost around Nov 3, a growing season of about 189 days. Start tomatoes indoors Mar 17 – Mar 31 and plant them outside May 12 – May 26.

Last spring frostApr 28
First fall frostNov 3
Growing season189 days

When to plant vegetables in Rochester

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesMar 17 – Mar 31May 12 – May 26—
PeppersMar 10 – Mar 24May 19 – Jun 2—
EggplantMar 10 – Mar 24May 19 – Jun 2—
Cucumbers—May 12 – May 26—
Zucchini & summer squash—May 12 – May 26—
Pumpkins & winter squash—May 19 – Jun 2—
Green beans—May 12 – May 26Aug 11 – Aug 25
Sweet corn—May 12 – May 26—
BasilMar 31 – Apr 14May 12 – May 26—
LettuceMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 31 – May 12Sep 8 – Sep 22
Spinach—Mar 17 – Apr 7Sep 8 – Sep 22
Peas—Mar 17 – Apr 7Aug 25 – Sep 8
Carrots—Mar 31 – May 5Aug 11 – Aug 25
Radishes—Mar 24 – May 12Sep 22 – Oct 6
BroccoliFeb 17 – Mar 3Mar 31 – Apr 14Aug 11 – Aug 25
KaleMar 3 – Mar 17Mar 24 – Apr 7Aug 25 – Sep 8
Onions—Mar 31 – Apr 14—
Potatoes—Apr 7 – May 5—
Garlic——Oct 20 – Nov 24

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Rochester. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Rochester

  1. JanuaryPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: Broccoli
  3. MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions
  4. AprilStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
  5. MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  6. JunePlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
  12. DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Rochester?

The median last spring frost is Apr 28 and the median first fall frost is Nov 3, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Rochester?

Start seeds indoors Mar 17 – Mar 31 and set plants outside May 12 – May 26, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Rochester?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 3): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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